BIO: Robert Gibbs was named President Obama’s press secretary in November 2008, after serving as communications director during Obama’s tenure as a U.S. Senator and his 2008 presidential campaign. He has worked with Obama since 2004, after serving as press secretary for John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign. A graduate of North Carolina State University, Gibbs did serve as communications director for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. Gibbs has been credited with guiding Obama through the then-senator’s first years and molding his rise on the national scene. Gibbs, 37, lives in Alexandria, Va., with his wife and son.

KEY TASKS: The White House Press Secretary's position falls under the Executive Office of the President which includes personnel who directly support or advise the President. Press secretary collects information about what is happening in side the Administration and around the world and gets that information to the media in a timely manner. The position pays about $170,000 a year. The press secretary also fields questions from the White House Press Corp.